Ghunghroo: Between Passion and Perception

Beyond Perception: Does Culture Really Divide Dreams? (Part 2)

In the previous part, we questioned whether society has the right to decide which dreams deserve applause and which deserve judgment. We ended with another important question.

Is this perception really a part of our culture, or have we simply mistaken stereotypes for traditions?

According to me, the problem has never been dance.

The problem has always been our perception of it.

I believe dance is seen differently for boys because society has confused an art form with masculinity. When a boy chooses to dance, many people perceive him as feminine rather than masculine. Instead of appreciating his dedication to an art form, they begin to question his identity.

But that makes me wonder...

What is masculinity?

Is masculinity merely physical strength?

Or is it something much deeper?

According to me, masculinity is not just about physical strength. It is the courage to remain true to yourself, the strength to protect others, and the wisdom to stand up for what is right and against what is wrong. It is about having the confidence to choose your own path, even when society questions you.

If a boy has the courage to pursue his passion despite criticism, doesn't that require strength?

If masculinity is about discipline, then doesn't dance demand years of discipline?

If masculinity is about courage, then doesn't it take courage to stand on a stage and perform before hundreds of people?

Perhaps the question was never whether dance is masculine or feminine.

Perhaps the real question is whether we have understood masculinity correctly.

No religion teaches us this.

No culture teaches us this.

It is a perception created by society's collective mindset over a period of time.

Now, let me ask you another question.

If dancing makes a boy less masculine, then why do we worship Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance?

Indian culture has never treated dance as something inferior. On the contrary, it has always regarded dance as a sacred form of devotion and expression.

 Lord Nataraja symbolizes the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction through the cosmic dance. His dance reminds us that change is a natural part of life and that creation and destruction are two sides of the same cycle.

If our own culture reveres dance as something divine, then when did we begin to associate it with only one gender?

Perhaps our culture never divided dreams.

Perhaps we did.

Most parents do not discourage their children because they dislike dance or any other unconventional profession. They do so because they prefer conventional careers that offer financial security. They fear society's judgment, an uncertain future, and the possibility that their child may not succeed.

Their intentions are often protective.

But sometimes, in trying to protect their children from society, they unknowingly become the first obstacle to their dreams.

Ironically, the same society that mocks a person during their struggles is often the first to applaud them once they become successful.

As we often say,

"बनता हुआ इंसान किसी को अच्छा नहीं लगता, बना हुआ ही पसंद आता है।"

People rarely appreciate someone while they are still becoming. They admire them only after success has already become a reality.

Perhaps this happens because the future is uncertain. No one knows whether a person will achieve their dream or not. As a result, many people find it easier to discourage than to encourage.

Another reason is the preconceived notions that have been passed down from one generation to another. Without questioning them, we often inherit them and continue passing them on as if they were absolute truths.

The Constitution of India upholds the principles of equality before the law under Article 14, prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex under Article 15, and guarantees every citizen the freedom to practise any profession or occupation under Article 19(1)(g), subject to reasonable restrictions.

These constitutional values remind us that no dream should be limited merely because of gender.

Yet, in our everyday lives, we continue to create invisible boundaries around dreams based on stereotypes and societal expectations.

Perhaps the challenge is not that our Constitution lacks the right values, but that our mindset has not fully embraced them.

The issue has never been a pair of ghunghroo.

The issue has always been the perception attached to it.

Perhaps it is time we stopped asking whether a dream belongs to a boy or a girl and started asking whether it deserves encouragement.

Because dreams do not belong to boys.

Dreams do not belong to girls.

Dreams belong to those who have the courage to pursue them.

Perhaps the rhythm of the ghunghroo was never the problem.

The problem was the noise of our own prejudices, which became so loud that we stopped hearing the rhythm of someone's dream.

Maybe a truly progressive society is not one that decides which dreams are respectable.

A truly progressive society is one where every child has the freedom to pursue their passion with dignity, regardless of gender.

Because in the end, dreams do not ask for society's permission. They only ask for courage.

— Pranjali Singh